The UFC has finalized a big-time light heavyweight matchup to headline their September 12th card from the APEX. According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the UFC has finalized a fight between top contenders Glover Teixeira (31-7) and Thiago Santos (21-7).
Breaking: UFC in the process of finalizing Glover Teixeira vs. Thiago Santos to headline event on Sept. 12, per sources. pic.twitter.com/TRdt06NyGB
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) July 7, 2020
Big fight for the UFC’s light heavyweight division
This is a big fight when it comes to pecking order in the light heavyweight division. Teixeira has seen a resurgence in his career since the beginning of 2019. Teixeira will be getting ready to turn 41 years old on fight night, but he’s rattled off four consecutive wins including a stoppage over top contender, Anthony Smith
Teixeira is trying to fight for one more chance at the UFC title. Teixeira’s one shot at the title came back in 2014 against Jon Jones. Since losing that fight, Teixeira has gone 9-4 in the UFC. A win over Santos would put him in prime position for one more chance at the title. However, winning is not going to be an easy task.
We have not seen Thiago Santos since he last fought against Jon Jones at UFC 239. Santos tore his ACL in the fight, and now he’s ready to return. Santos has looked like a completely different fighter since he moved up to 205 pounds. Prior to the Jones fight, Santos had won four fights in a row including knockouts over Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz.
A win for either man on September 12th could mean a shot at the light heavyweight title. The division is in flux right now while Jon Jones figures things out with the UFC. Dominick Reyes is likely to get the next shot or perhaps Jan Blachowicz. However, the winner of this fight in September will not be far behind.